I was hesitant to accept my assignment to Kabul, it took me three weeks to decide. The first thing I did was go over the internet and read the latest happenings in the area. The bombing news was all over; CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and other foreign news agencies. Reuter's, Fox, CCTV were reporting all suicide bombings, car explosion and so on. Whew, all the news were on Taliban and every person interviewed shrugged about the incidents.
After accepting the Kabul assignment, I packed some of winter clothes, biscuits and chocolates. I bought more sweets at the Dubai duty free just in case there were no place to buy, at least, I have stocks. While waiting for the boarding time, I went to the coffee shop and ordered two cups of hot chocolate which I shared with a fellow passenger. An English and a Security official working in at a base in Kabul. I was lucky then, he told me that he worked in Iraq for the last ten years and in Africa's war torn places. The travel was three hours or more, I can't remember the exact travel time. I sad at the window side of Safi Airways. The moment the plane took off, I couldn't help but wonder how Afghanistan look like. Honestly, I was so nervous, I reached for my rosary and started to say the Sorrowful Mysteries.
I love adventure and discovering new things. I love to travel and learn new cultures, but I don't want to get into trouble in any way. I did not sleep in my flight, I kept staring at the mountains while the plane reached the 30,000 feet altitude. The unending view of the mountains filled with snow was the only scene that I have remembered. It was fantastic, so beautiful, a perfect scene. I wish I brought my camera for some shots. While enjoying the view, the captain announced the we will be landing in Kabul airport in 15 minutes. My heart started pounding, I called the flight attendant and ask for water. I had an Inderal tablet with me to stabilize my nervousness. At last we landed.
The Kabul airport was like a military base, there were many military planes and UN aircrafts. It was different from the many airports that I have seen before. We were fetched by a bus to the exit point, the Kabul immigration. It was an old struc
ture and almost worn out, I walked slowly and join the queue of passengers towards the exit. When I reached the immigration, I handed my passport to the officer for stamping. I look around and see what other passengers were doing. I was tensed and full of fear. Adding to my nervousness, the immigration officer winked his eyes, I smiled and winked my eyes also. Oh no, I did not understand what it means, it was a sign that they are asking for money. Then he said "money, money, money" I jsearched for my wallet and gave him $10 US dollar, he said "it's not enough", I began to get nervous again, I checked my wallet again and gave another AED10 equivalent to $4 US dollars that was the last note on my wallet, at last he stamped my passport. Honestly, I was so scared.
I exit in the airport and examined the map that the admin staff gave me. I walked toward parking C, it was a scary walk for almost a kilometer. Thanks, I found the man that was sent by the transport, he handed my ID and lead me to the Nissan Armada car. While inside the car, I was looking around the road and the people on the streets, I can't help but think of snipers somewhere that could hit us at any moment. My nervousness seems to be unending, I was only relieved when I saw the army troops scattered on the streets. The security was so tight, there were checkpoints and police everywhere, and the soldiers were visible. Finally, I felt safe on that moment. After less than an hour drive, we reach our destination. It was Jalalabad. Final Part in Kabul Part 2.
After accepting the Kabul assignment, I packed some of winter clothes, biscuits and chocolates. I bought more sweets at the Dubai duty free just in case there were no place to buy, at least, I have stocks. While waiting for the boarding time, I went to the coffee shop and ordered two cups of hot chocolate which I shared with a fellow passenger. An English and a Security official working in at a base in Kabul. I was lucky then, he told me that he worked in Iraq for the last ten years and in Africa's war torn places. The travel was three hours or more, I can't remember the exact travel time. I sad at the window side of Safi Airways. The moment the plane took off, I couldn't help but wonder how Afghanistan look like. Honestly, I was so nervous, I reached for my rosary and started to say the Sorrowful Mysteries.
I love adventure and discovering new things. I love to travel and learn new cultures, but I don't want to get into trouble in any way. I did not sleep in my flight, I kept staring at the mountains while the plane reached the 30,000 feet altitude. The unending view of the mountains filled with snow was the only scene that I have remembered. It was fantastic, so beautiful, a perfect scene. I wish I brought my camera for some shots. While enjoying the view, the captain announced the we will be landing in Kabul airport in 15 minutes. My heart started pounding, I called the flight attendant and ask for water. I had an Inderal tablet with me to stabilize my nervousness. At last we landed.The Kabul airport was like a military base, there were many military planes and UN aircrafts. It was different from the many airports that I have seen before. We were fetched by a bus to the exit point, the Kabul immigration. It was an old structure and almost worn out, I walked slowly and join the queue of passengers towards the exit. When I reached the immigration, I handed my passport to the officer for stamping. I look around and see what other passengers were doing. I was tensed and full of fear. Adding to my nervousness, the immigration officer winked his eyes, I smiled and winked my eyes also. Oh no, I did not understand what it means, it was a sign that they are asking for money. Then he said "money, money, money" I jsearched for my wallet and gave him $10 US dollar, he said "it's not enough", I began to get nervous again, I checked my wallet again and gave another AED10 equivalent to $4 US dollars that was the last note on my wallet, at last he stamped my passport. Honestly, I was so scared. I exit in the airport and examined the map that the admin staff gave me. I walked toward parking C, it was a scary walk for almost a kilometer. Thanks, I found the man that was sent by the transport, he handed my ID and lead me to the Nissan Armada car. While inside the car, I was looking around the road and the people on the streets, I can't help but think of snipers somewhere that could hit us at any moment. My nervousness seems to be unending, I was only relieved when I saw the army troops scattered on the streets. The security was so tight, there were checkpoints and police everywhere, and the soldiers were visible. Finally, I felt safe on that moment. After less than an hour drive, we reach our destination. It was Jalalabad. Final Part in Kabul Part 2.
Good Job! Write about us Kuya Jer :)
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